What characteristics should fish exhibit upon receipt?

The correct choice highlights the essential characteristics that fish should have upon receipt to ensure freshness and quality. Clear eyes are a critical indicator of freshness; they suggest the fish is healthy and has been handled properly. The absence of a strong odor is also significant; fresh fish should have a mild sea-like scent rather than a pungent or unpleasant smell, which can indicate spoilage. Lastly, the term "hard-frozen" refers to the texture of the fish, which should be firm if it has been frozen correctly.

These characteristics align with best practices in food safety and quality assurance, especially for seafood, which is highly perishable. When properly stored, fresh fish retains its desirable characteristics, making it suitable for cooking and consumption.